Amazonia

Amazonia is one of the National Zoo's most remarkable indoor exhibits — a two-story recreation of an Amazon rainforest habitat that immerses visitors in the sights, sounds, and humidity of the actual jungle. Located inside the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park in Northwest DC, it's free to visit (as is the entire National Zoo) and consistently earns high marks from families who make the trip.

The design of the exhibit is ambitious: a soaring two-story atrium with free-flying tropical birds in the canopy, fish tanks holding arapaima (giant Amazonian fish that can exceed 6 feet), piranhas, and other South American river species, plus reptiles and invertebrates distributed through the exhibit. Kids who walk in expecting another typical zoo exhibit tend to stop and look up when they see the scale of the space.

For a rainy-day or hot-summer-day visit, Amazonia is particularly valuable. The indoor tropical environment stays at jungle temperature — warm and humid — which paradoxically feels refreshing compared to DC's stifling July and August outdoor heat. It's one of the few outdoor-to-indoor transitions at the zoo that actually provides relief.

Amazonia is best experienced as part of a full National Zoo day rather than a standalone destination. The National Zoo is 163 acres — a full visit typically takes 3-5 hours. Combine Amazonia with the Great Panda exhibit, Elephant Trails, and the Great Ape House for a comprehensive zoo day.

Parking at the National Zoo is $30 and fills quickly on weekends. Metro to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station (Red Line) is the recommended approach — it's a short walk downhill to the zoo entrance.